On June 28, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded at Little Big Econ State Forest in Seminole County, Central Florida, when 31-year-old Brittany Clark was fatally attacked by a large alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River.
Clark, an Orlando-area resident who worked as a heavy construction equipment operator and had risen to the role of foreman, was enjoying a day outdoors with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, and their roommate, Jayden Hernandez. The group, accompanied by their dogs, stopped near the Barr Street Trailhead to cool off in the river during the afternoon. Clark was in water ranging from waist- to chest-deep when the alligator struck.
According to accounts from investigators and witnesses, the reptile seized one of Clark’s arms and initiated a “death roll,” a powerful spinning motion used by alligators to subdue prey. Allison immediately intervened, grabbing the animal in an attempt to force it to release her. The struggle pulled both of them underwater briefly. The alligator momentarily let go before clamping onto Clark’s other arm. Allison eventually managed to free her and bring her to the riverbank, where he called emergency services while trying to keep her alive. Their dogs also reacted aggressively from the shore in an effort to help.
Clark was transported as a trauma alert but died from her injuries before or shortly after reaching the hospital. In one of her final moments, she asked Allison to look after her German Shepherd, Hokie. Her father, Robert Clark, later described receiving a distressing phone call from the roommate as the group waited for help to arrive.
Wildlife officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded by capturing and euthanizing two large alligators found in the area — one approximately 12 to 12.5 feet long and the other about 13 feet. Laboratory DNA testing conducted in Gainesville, combined with analysis of bite marks on Clark’s body, confirmed that the larger 13-foot alligator was responsible for the attack. Officials stated the investigation remained active following the DNA confirmation in mid-July.
A detailed autopsy report released in late July 2026 by the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office provided further insight into the severity of the injuries. Associate Medical Examiner Jenaye Mack determined that Clark suffered near-complete traumatic amputation of her left arm at the shoulder and near-complete traumatic amputation of her right distal forearm. Additional findings included teeth marks on the left clavicle, left scapula (shoulder blade), and other areas, along with fractures and multiple blunt-force trauma injuries. The official cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries of the upper extremities inflicted by the alligator, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. Allison formally identified her body at the hospital.
Alligator attacks resulting in human fatalities are uncommon in Florida despite the state’s large alligator population (estimated at over a million). Historical data from the FWC indicate an average of roughly eight unprovoked bites per year in recent periods, with only a limited number of deaths recorded since the mid-20th century.
Clark was remembered by those close to her as an independent, hardworking woman who was looking forward to settling down, starting a family, and pursuing new adventures. She was survived by her parents and two siblings. A celebration of her life took place on July 26, 2026, at a ranch in Geneva, Florida.
Source links: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/31/brittany-clark-florida-alligator-attack-autopsy